U.S. patent number 8,947,376 [Application Number 13/222,921] was granted by the patent office on 2015-02-03 for desktop reveal expansion.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Z124. The grantee listed for this patent is Martin Gimpl, Sanjiv Sirpal. Invention is credited to Martin Gimpl, Sanjiv Sirpal.
United States Patent |
8,947,376 |
Sirpal , et al. |
February 3, 2015 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Desktop reveal expansion
Abstract
A dual-screen user device and methods for revealing a
combination of desktops on single and multiple screens are
disclosed. Specifically, a determined number of desktops is
displayed to at least one of the screens of the device conditioned
upon input received and the state of the device. Where a screen of
the device is determined to be inactive, the desktop is not
displayed to the screen, but is stored in a virtually displayed
state by the device. Upon receiving input that the inactive screen
is active, the device can actually display the desktop to the
screen.
Inventors: |
Sirpal; Sanjiv (Oakville,
CA), Gimpl; Martin (Helsinki, FI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sirpal; Sanjiv
Gimpl; Martin |
Oakville
Helsinki |
N/A
N/A |
CA
FI |
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Assignee: |
Z124 (George Town, Grand
Cayman, unknown)
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Family
ID: |
45889332 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/222,921 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20120081267 A1 |
Apr 5, 2012 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61389000 |
Oct 1, 2010 |
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61389117 |
Oct 1, 2010 |
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61389087 |
Oct 1, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173;
715/778 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/0412 (20130101); G06F 3/0488 (20130101); G06F
3/04886 (20130101); G06F 3/017 (20130101); G06F
3/0482 (20130101); G06F 3/0483 (20130101); G06F
3/04845 (20130101); G06F 3/0486 (20130101); G06F
1/1647 (20130101); G06F 3/0481 (20130101); G06F
3/04847 (20130101); G06F 3/04817 (20130101); G06F
3/04842 (20130101); G06F 3/0416 (20130101); G06F
3/04883 (20130101); G06F 3/1423 (20130101); G06F
1/1641 (20130101); G06F 1/1616 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/041 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;345/173
;715/769,790,788,863,77 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2109297 |
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Oct 2009 |
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EP |
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WO 2009/013499 |
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Jan 2009 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Kevin M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sheridan Ross P.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims the benefits of and priority, under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos.
61/389,000, filed Oct. 1, 2010, entitled "DUAL DISPLAY WINDOWING
SYSTEM;" 61/389,117, filed Oct. 1, 2010, entitled "MULTI-OPERATING
SYSTEM PORTABLE DOCKETING DEVICE;" 61/389,087, filed Oct. 1, 2010,
entitled "TABLET COMPUTING USER INTERFACE." Each of the
aforementioned documents is incorporated herein by this reference
in their entirety for all that they teach and for all purposes.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of displaying a desktop on a multi-screen device,
comprising: displaying a first application to a first touchscreen
of the multi-screen device; receiving a first predetermined input
that represents an instruction to reveal a desktop on the first
touchscreen of the multi-screen device; determining a first desktop
to display on the first touchscreen; determining a second desktop
to display on a second touchscreen of the multi-screen device;
responding to the first predetermined input with an output that
causes the first application to move off of the first touchscreen
in a direction away from the second touchscreen of the multi-screen
device, such that the first application is in an inactive window
stored in a window stack on the multi-screen device, and the first
desktop to be displayed on the first touchscreen and which also
causes the second desktop to be at least one of (i) actually
displayed on the second touchscreen and (ii) virtually displayed on
the second touchscreen; and wherein the window stack comprises a
logical arrangement of one or more active and two or more inactive
windows, each window arranged by a unique stack position within the
window stack and the inactive window comprises a window that is not
being displayed.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined input
comprises at least one of the following: i) a user input gesture;
ii) a combination of user input gestures; iii) a memory output; iv)
a response to a programmed condition; and v) hardware timers.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to the first
predetermined input comprises at least one of the following: i)
referring to a memory; ii) selecting an output; and iii) providing
the output as an electrical signal.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second desktop is virtually
displayed by: registering in memory the second desktop for display
by the second touchscreen; preventing the second desktop from
displaying on the second screen touchscreen where the second
touchscreen is determined to be inactive; and wherein access to the
memory is provided such that the second desktop can be
retrieved.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second desktop is actually
displayed by: registering in memory the second desktop for display
by the second touchscreen where the second touchscreen is
determined to be active; and displaying the second desktop on the
second touchscreen.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a second
predetermined input after the first predetermined input, the second
predetermined input representing an instruction to navigate a
plurality of desktops; discontinuing display of the first desktop
on the first touchscreen and storing the first desktop in a virtual
desktop stack memory; replacing the first desktop on the first
touchscreen with the second desktop from the second touchscreen for
display on the first touchscreen; displaying a third desktop to be
at least one of (i) actually displayed on the second touchscreen
and (ii) virtually displayed on the second touchscreen.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the third desktop is virtually
displayed on the second touchscreen while the multi-screen device
is in a closed state.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the third desktop is actually
displayed on the second touchscreen while the multi-screen device
is in an open state.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein display rules are referenced and
followed according to: a) when both touchscreens are active the
first desktop is actually displayed on the first touchscreen and
the second desktop is actually displayed on the second touchscreen;
and b) when the second touchscreen is inactive the first desktop is
actually displayed on the first touchscreen and the second desktop
is virtually displayed on the second touchscreen.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
instructions that cause a computing system to execute a method, the
instructions comprising: instructions configured to display a first
application to a first touchscreen of a multi-screen device;
instructions configured to receive a first predetermined input that
represents an instruction to reveal a desktop on the first
touchscreen of the multi-screen device; instructions configured to
determine a first desktop to display on the first touchscreen;
instructions configured to determine a second desktop to display on
a second touchscreen of the multi-screen device; instructions
configured to respond to the first predetermined input with an
output that causes the first application to move off of the first
touchscreen in a direction away from the second touchscreen of the
multi-screen device, such that the first application is in an
inactive window stored in a window stack on the multi-screen
device, and the first desktop to be displayed on the first
touchscreen and which also causes the second desktop to be at least
one of (i) actually displayed on the second touchscreen and (ii)
virtually displayed on the second touchscreen; and wherein the
window stack comprises a logical arrangement of one or more active
and two or more inactive windows, each window arranged by a unique
stack position within the window stack and the inactive window
comprises a window that is not being displayed.
11. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the first
touchscreen corresponds to a primary screen and wherein the second
touchscreen corresponds to a secondary screen.
12. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, further comprising:
instructions configured to receive a second predetermined input
that represents an instruction to move the second desktop from the
second touchscreen to be displayed on the first touchscreen of the
multi-screen device.
13. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, further comprising:
instructions configured to determine whether the multi-screen
device is in an open or closed state; instructions configured to
actually display the first desktop on the first touchscreen and
actually display the second desktop on the second touchscreen when
the multi-screen device is in the open state; and instructions
configured to actually display the first desktop on the first
touchscreen and virtually display the second desktop on the second
touchscreen when the multi-screen device is in the closed
state.
14. The computer-readable medium of claim 10, further comprising:
instructions configured to determine whether the second touchscreen
is active or inactive; instructions configured to actually display
the first desktop on the first touchscreen and actually display the
second desktop on the second touchscreen when both screens are
active; and instructions configured to actually display the first
desktop on the first touchscreen and virtually display the second
desktop on the second touchscreen when the first touchscreen is
active and the second touchscreen is inactive.
15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, further comprising:
instructions configured to receive a second predetermined input
after the first predetermined input, the second predetermined input
representing an instruction to navigate a plurality of desktops;
instructions configured to move the first desktop off the first
touchscreen and store the first desktop in a virtual desktop stack
memory; instructions configured to replace the first desktop on the
first touchscreen with the second desktop from the second
touchscreen for display on the first touchscreen; and instructions
configured to introduce a third desktop to be at least one of (i)
actually displayed on the second touchscreen and (ii) virtually
displayed on the second touchscreen.
Description
BACKGROUND
A substantial number of handheld computing devices, such as
cellular phones, tablets, and E-Readers, make use of a touch screen
display not only to deliver display information to the user but
also to receive inputs from user interface commands. While touch
screen displays may increase the configurability of the handheld
device and provide a wide variety of user interface options, this
flexibility typically comes at a price. The dual use of the touch
screen to provide content and receive user commands, while flexible
for the user, may obfuscate the display and cause visual clutter,
thereby leading to user frustration and loss of productivity.
The small form factor of handheld computing devices requires a
careful balancing between the displayed graphics and the area
provided for receiving inputs. On the one hand, the small display
constrains the display space, which may increase the difficulty of
interpreting actions or results. On the other, a virtual keypad or
other user interface scheme is superimposed on or positioned
adjacent to an executing application, requiring the application to
be squeezed into an even smaller portion of the display.
This balancing act is particularly difficult for single display
touch screen devices. Single display touch screen devices are
crippled by their limited screen space. When users are entering
information into the device, through the single display, the
ability to interpret information in the display can be severely
hampered, particularly when a complex interaction between display
and interface is required.
SUMMARY
There is a need for a multi-display handheld computing device that
provides for enhanced power and/or versatility compared to
conventional single display handheld computing devices. These and
other needs are addressed by the various aspects, embodiments,
and/or configurations of the present disclosure. Also, while the
disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments, it
should be appreciated that individual aspects of the disclosure can
be separately claimed.
A method of displaying a desktop on a multi-screen device,
comprising: receiving a first predetermined input that represents
an instruction to reveal a desktop on a first screen of the
multi-screen device; determining a first desktop to display on the
first screen; determining a second desktop to display on a second
screen of the multi-screen device; and responding to the first
predetermined input with an output that causes the first desktop to
be displayed on the first screen and which also causes the second
desktop to be at least one of (i) actually displayed on the second
screen and (ii) virtually displayed on the second screen.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
instructions that cause a computing system to execute a method, the
instructions comprising: instructions configured to receive a first
predetermined input that represents an instruction to reveal a
desktop on a first screen of the multi-screen device; instructions
configured to determine a first desktop to display on the first
screen instructions configured to determine a second desktop to
display on a second screen of the multi-screen device; and
instructions configured to respond to the first predetermined input
with an output that causes the first desktop to be displayed on the
first screen and which also causes the second desktop to be at
least one of (i) actually displayed on the second screen and (ii)
virtually displayed on the second screen.
A multi-screen user device, comprising: a first screen including a
first display area; a second screen including a second display
area; a hinge configured to connect the first screen with the
second screen; a first sensor configured to produce a first signal
indicative of a position of the hinge; a second sensor configured
to produce a second signal indicative of a relative position of the
first screen and the second screen; and a computer-readable medium
having instructions stored thereon that include: a first set of
instructions configured to determine, based at least partially on
the first signal, whether the hinge is in a first position or
second position; and a second set of instructions configured to
determine, based on the first signal, whether to actually display
or virtually display a second desktop on the second screen.
The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending
on the particular aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration.
Currently, the consumer electronics industry is dominated by
single-screen devices. Unfortunately, these devices are limited in
the manner in which they can efficiently display information and
receive user input. Specifically, multiple applications and
desktops cannot be adequately shown on a single screen and require
the user to constantly switch between displayed pages to access
content from more than one application. Additionally, user input
devices such as keyboards, touch-sensitive or capacitive displays,
and hardware interface buttons are usually reduced in size to fit
onto a single-screen device. Manipulating this type of device, and
being forced to switch between multiple applications that only use
one screen results in user fatigue, frustration, and in some cases
repetitive motion injuries.
Recently, dual-screen devices have been made available to consumers
of electronic devices. However, the currently available dual-screen
devices have failed to adequately address the needs of the
consumer. Although the devices include two screens in their design,
they tend to incorporate the negative limitations of their
single-screen counterparts. In particular, the typical dual-screen
device limits the user interface to a particular screen, in some
cases only providing a keyboard, or touch-sensitive/capacitive
display, on one of the screens. Moreover, the management of the
device's applications and desktops is limited to the traditional
concepts of single-screen content switching. The present disclosure
addresses the limitations of the traditional single/dual-screen
devices and provides advantages in display, input, and content
management.
At least one embodiment of the present disclosure describes a
multi-screen device and methods for managing the display of content
that allows the user a greater degree of creative latitude when
operating the device. In particular, when a device is running an
application or group of applications, the device is capable of
detecting a user gesture input that can reveal a desktop on
multiple screens of the device. This desktop can show a
representation of different applications that the user can select.
From this desktop, a user is able to launch applications or
navigate between multiple desktop pages, including those that are
displayed and those that are not. A user, or the device itself, may
choose how and when to initiate the reveal desktop expansion, which
may be determined by, but not limited to, a specific input
detected, an output from another process, program or hardware
logic, software control, or combination thereof. The management of
the displayed desktops may be directed by the device or the user.
These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure.
These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure.
The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are
open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in
operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A,
B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and
C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B and C together.
The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity.
As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one"
can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the
terms "comprising", "including", and "having" can be used
interchangeably.
The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers
to any process or operation done without material human input when
the process or operation is performed. However, a process or
operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process
or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input
is received before performance of the process or operation. Human
input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the
process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents
to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be
"material".
The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any
tangible storage and/or transmission medium that participate in
providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium
may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile
media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media
includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks.
Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common
forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy
disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other
magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other
optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium
with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a
solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or
cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other
medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to
e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of
archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a
tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is
configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database
may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical,
object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution
medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in
which the software implementations of the present disclosure are
stored.
The term "desktop" refers to a metaphor used to portray systems. A
desktop is generally considered a "surface" that typically includes
pictures, called icons, widgets, folders, etc. that can activate
show applications, windows, cabinets, files, folders, documents,
and other graphical items. The icons are generally selectable to
initiate a task through user interface interaction to allow a user
to execute applications or conduct other operations.
The term "display" refers to a portion of a screen used to display
the output of a computer to a user.
The term "displayed image" refers to an image produced on the
display. A typical displayed image is a window or desktop. The
displayed image may occupy all or a portion of the display.
The term "display orientation" refers to the way in which a
rectangular display is oriented by a user for viewing. The two most
common types of display orientation are portrait and landscape. In
landscape mode, the display is oriented such that the width of the
display is greater than the height of the display (such as a 4:3
ratio, which is 4 units wide and 3 units tall, or a 16:9 ratio,
which is 16 units wide and 9 units tall). Stated differently, the
longer dimension of the display is oriented substantially
horizontal in landscape mode while the shorter dimension of the
display is oriented substantially vertical. In the portrait mode,
by contrast, the display is oriented such that the width of the
display is less than the height of the display. Stated differently,
the shorter dimension of the display is oriented substantially
horizontal in the portrait mode while the longer dimension of the
display is oriented substantially vertical. The multi-screen
display can have one composite display that encompasses all the
screens. The composite display can have different display
characteristics based on the various orientations of the
device.
The term "gesture" refers to a user action that expresses an
intended idea, action, meaning, result, and/or outcome. The user
action can include manipulating a device (e.g., opening or closing
a device, changing a device orientation, moving a trackball or
wheel, etc.), movement of a body part in relation to the device,
movement of an implement or tool in relation to the device, audio
inputs, etc. A gesture may be made on a device (such as on the
screen) or with the device to interact with the device.
The term "module" as used herein refers to any known or later
developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence,
fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is
capable of performing the functionality associated with that
element.
The term "gesture capture" refers to a sense or otherwise a
detection of an instance and/or type of user gesture. The gesture
capture can occur in one or more areas of the screen, A gesture
region can be on the display, where it may be referred to as a
touch sensitive display or off the display where it may be referred
to as a gesture capture area.
A "multi-screen application" refers to an application that is
capable of producing one or more windows that may simultaneously
occupy multiple screens. A multi-screen application commonly can
operate in single-screen mode in which one or more windows of the
application are displayed only on one screen or in multi-screen
mode in which one or more windows are displayed simultaneously on
multiple screens.
A "single-screen application" refers to an application that is
capable of producing one or more windows that may occupy only a
single screen at a time.
The term "screen," "touch screen," or "touchscreen" refers to a
physical structure that enables the user to interact with the
computer by touching areas on the screen and provides information
to a user through a display. The touch screen may sense user
contact in a number of different ways, such as by a change in an
electrical parameter (e.g., resistance or capacitance), acoustic
wave variations, infrared radiation proximity detection, light
variation detection, and the like. In a resistive touch screen, for
example, normally separated conductive and resistive metallic
layers in the screen pass an electrical current. When a user
touches the screen, the two layers make contact in the contacted
location, whereby a change in electrical field is noted and the
coordinates of the contacted location calculated. In a capacitive
touch screen, a capacitive layer stores electrical charge, which is
discharged to the user upon contact with the touch screen, causing
a decrease in the charge of the capacitive layer. The decrease is
measured, and the contacted location coordinates determined. In a
surface acoustic wave touch screen, an acoustic wave is transmitted
through the screen, and the acoustic wave is disturbed by user
contact. A receiving transducer detects the user contact instance
and determines the contacted location coordinates.
The term "window" refers to a, typically rectangular, displayed
image on at least part of a display that contains or provides
content different from the rest of the screen. The window may
obscure the desktop.
The terms "determine", "calculate" and "compute," and variations
thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any
type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or
technique.
It shall be understood that the term "means" as used herein shall
be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35
U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim
1ncorporating the term "means" shall cover all structures,
materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents
thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the
equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the
summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings,
detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.
The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide
an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is
neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and
its various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is
intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the
disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to
present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as
an introduction to the more detailed description presented below.
As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or
in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or
described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A includes a first view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1B includes a second view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1C includes a third view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1D includes a fourth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1E includes a fifth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1F includes a sixth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1G includes a seventh view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1H includes a eighth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1I includes a ninth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 1J includes a tenth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen
user device;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the hardware of the
device;
FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the state model for
the device based on the device's orientation and/or
configuration;
FIG. 3B is a table of an embodiment of the state model for the
device based on the device's orientation and/or configuration;
FIG. 4A is a first representation of an embodiment of user gesture
received at a device;
FIG. 4B is a second representation of an embodiment of user gesture
received at a device;
FIG. 4C is a third representation of an embodiment of user gesture
received at a device;
FIG. 4D is a fourth representation of an embodiment of user gesture
received at a device;
FIG. 4E is a fifth representation of an embodiment of user gesture
received at a device;
FIG. 4F is a sixth representation of an embodiment of user gesture
received at a device;
FIG. 4G is a seventh representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
FIG. 4H is a eighth representation of an embodiment of user gesture
received at a device;
FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the device software
and/or firmware;
FIG. 5B is a second block diagram of an embodiment of the device
software and/or firmware;
FIG. 6A is a first representation of an embodiment of a device
configuration generated in response to the device state;
FIG. 6B is a second representation of an embodiment of a device
configuration generated in response to the device state;
FIG. 7A depicts a first display state of a closed device with
various non-displayed windows stacked on either side of the visible
display in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 7B depicts a second display state of a closed device with
various non-displayed windows stacked on either side of the visible
display in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 7C depicts a third display state of a closed device with
various non-displayed windows stacked on either side of the visible
display in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 8A depicts a first display state of an open device with
various non-displayed windows stacked on either side of the visible
display in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 8B depicts a second display state of an open device with
various non-displayed windows stacked on either side of the visible
display in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 8C depicts a third display state of an open device with
various non-displayed windows stacked on either side of the visible
display in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting a desktop reveal expansion
method in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
and
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram depicting a desktop reveal expansion
method in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may
have the same reference label. Further, various components of the
same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by
a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only
the first reference label is used in the specification, the
description is applicable to any one of the similar components
having the same first reference label irrespective of the second
reference label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Presented herein are embodiments of a device. The device can be a
communications device, such as a cellular telephone, or other smart
device. The device can include two screens that are oriented to
provide several unique display configurations. Further, the device
can receive user input in unique ways. The overall design and
functionality of the device provides for an enhanced user
experience making the device more useful and more efficient.
Mechanical Features:
FIGS. 1A-1J illustrate a device 100 in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure. As described in greater detail below,
device 100 can be positioned in a number of different ways each of
which provides different functionality to a user. The device 100 is
a multi-screen device that includes a primary screen 104 and a
secondary screen 108, both of which are touch sensitive. In
embodiments, the entire front surface of screens 104 and 108 may be
touch sensitive and capable of receiving input by a user touching
the front surface of the screens 104 and 108. Primary screen 104
includes touch sensitive display 110, which, in addition to being
touch sensitive, also displays information to a user. Secondary
screen 108 includes touch sensitive display 114, which also
displays information to a user. In other embodiments, screens 104
and 108 may include more than one display area.
Primary screen 104 also includes a configurable area 112 that has
been configured for specific inputs when the user touches portions
of the configurable area 112. Secondary screen 108 also includes a
configurable area 116 that has been configured for specific inputs.
Areas 112a and 116a have been configured to receive a "back" input
indicating that a user would like to view information previously
displayed. Areas 112b and 116b have been configured to receive a
"menu" input indicating that the user would like to view options
from a menu. Areas 112c and 116c have been configured to receive a
"home" input indicating that the user would like to view
information associated with a "home" view. In other embodiments,
areas 112a-c and 116a-c may be configured, in addition to the
configurations described above, for other types of specific inputs
including controlling features of device 100, some non-limiting
examples including adjusting overall system power, adjusting the
volume, adjusting the brightness, adjusting the vibration,
selecting of displayed items (on either of screen 104 or 108),
operating a camera, operating a microphone, and
initiating/terminating of telephone calls. Also, in some
embodiments, areas 112a-C and 116a-C may be configured for specific
inputs depending upon the application running on device 100 and/or
information displayed on touch sensitive displays 110 and/or
114.
In addition to touch sensing, primary screen 104 and secondary
screen 108 may also include areas that receive input from a user
without requiring the user to touch the display area of the screen.
For example, primary screen 104 includes gesture capture area 120,
and secondary screen 108 includes gesture capture area 124. These
areas are able to receive input by recognizing gestures made by a
user without the need for the user to actually touch the surface of
the display area. In comparison to touch sensitive displays 110 and
114, the gesture capture areas 120 and 124 are commonly not capable
of rendering a displayed image.
The two screens 104 and 108 are connected together with a hinge
128, shown clearly in FIG. 1C (illustrating a back view of device
100). Hinge 128, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1J, is a
center hinge that connects screens 104 and 108 so that when the
hinge is closed, screens 104 and 108 are juxtaposed (i.e.,
side-by-side) as shown in FIG. 1B (illustrating a front view of
device 100). Hinge 128 can be opened to position the two screens
104 and 108 in different relative positions to each other. As
described in greater detail below, the device 100 may have
different functionalities depending on the relative positions of
screens 104 and 108.
FIG. 1D illustrates the right side of device 100. As shown in FIG.
1D, secondary screen 108 also includes a card slot 132 and a port
136 on its side. Card slot 132 in embodiments, accommodates
different types of cards including a subscriber identity module
(SIM). Port 136 in embodiments is an input/output port (I/O port)
that allows device 100 to be connected to other peripheral devices,
such as a display, keyboard, or printing device. As can be
appreciated, these are merely some examples and in other
embodiments device 100 may include other slots and ports such as
slots and ports for accommodating additional memory devices and/or
for connecting other peripheral devices. Also shown in FIG. 1D is
an audio jack 140 that accommodates a tip, ring, sleeve (TRS)
connector for example to allow a user to utilize headphones or a
headset.
Device 100 also includes a number of buttons 158. For example, FIG.
1E illustrates the left side of device 100. As shown in FIG. 1E,
the side of primary screen 104 includes three buttons 144, 148, and
152, which can be configured for specific inputs. For example,
buttons 144, 148, and 152 may be configured to, in combination or
alone, control a number of aspects of device 100. Some non-limiting
examples include overall system power, volume, brightness,
vibration, selection of displayed items (on either of screen 104 or
108), a camera, a microphone, and initiation/termination of
telephone calls. In some embodiments, instead of separate buttons
two buttons may be combined into a rocker button. This arrangement
is useful in situations where the buttons are configured to control
features such as volume or brightness. In addition to buttons 144,
148, and 152, device 100 also includes a button 156, shown in FIG.
1F, which illustrates the top of device 100. In one embodiment,
button 156 is configured as an on/off button used to control
overall system power to device 100. In other embodiments, button
156 is configured to, in addition to or in lieu of controlling
system power, control other aspects of device 100. In some
embodiments, one or more of the buttons 144, 148, 152, and 156 are
capable of supporting different user commands. By way of example, a
normal press has a duration commonly of less than about 1 second
and resembles a quick tap. A medium press has a duration commonly
of 1 second or more but less than about 12 seconds. A long press
has a duration commonly of about 12 seconds or more. The function
of the buttons is normally specific to the application that is
currently in focus on the respective display 110 and 114. In a
telephone application for instance and depending on the particular
button, a normal, medium, or long press can mean end call, increase
in call volume, decrease in call volume, and toggle microphone
mute. In a camera or video application for instance and depending
on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long press can mean
increase zoom, decrease zoom, and take photograph or record
video.
There are also a number of hardware components within device 100.
As illustrated in FIG. 1C, device 100 includes a speaker 160 and a
microphone 164. Device 100 also includes a camera 168 (FIG. 1B).
Additionally, device 100 includes two position sensors 172A and
172B, which are used to determine the relative positions of screens
104 and 108. In one embodiment, position sensors 172A and 172B are
Hall effect sensors. However, in other embodiments other sensors
can be used in addition to or in lieu of the Hall effect sensors.
An accelerometer 176 may also be included as part of device 100 to
determine the orientation of the device 100 and/or the orientation
of screens 104 and 108. Additional internal hardware components
that may be included in device 100 are described below with respect
to FIG. 2.
The overall design of device 100 allows it to provide additional
functionality not available in other communication devices. Some of
the functionality is based on the various positions and
orientations that device 100 can have. As shown in FIGS. 1B-1G,
device 100 can be operated in an "open" position where screens 104
and 108 are juxtaposed. This position allows a large display area
for displaying information to a user. When position sensors 172A
and 172B determine that device 100 is in the open position, they
can generate a signal that can be used to trigger different events
such as displaying information on both screens 104 and 108.
Additional events may be triggered if accelerometer 176 determines
that device 100 is in a portrait position (FIG. 1B) as opposed to a
landscape position (not shown).
In addition to the open position, device 100 may also have a
"closed" position illustrated in FIG. 1H. Again, position sensors
172A and 172B can generate a signal indicating that device 100 is
in the "closed" position. This can trigger an event that results in
a change of displayed information on screen 104 and/or 108. For
example, device 100 may be programmed to stop displaying
information on one of the screens, e.g., screen 108, since a user
can only view one screen at a time when device 100 is in the
"closed" position. In other embodiments, the signal generated by
position sensors 172A and 172B, indicating that the device 100 is
in the "closed" position, can trigger device 100 to answer an
incoming telephone call. The "closed" position can also be a
preferred position for utilizing the device 100 as a mobile
phone.
Device 100 can also be used in an "easel" position which is
illustrated in FIG. 1I. In the "easel" position, screens 104 and
108 are angled with respect to each other and facing outward with
the edges of screens 104 and 108 substantially horizontal. In this
position, device 100 can be configured to display information on
both screens 104 and 108 to allow two users to simultaneously
interact with device 100. When device 100 is in the "easel"
position, sensors 172A and 172B generate a signal indicating that
the screens 104 and 108 are positioned at an angle to each other,
and the accelerometer 176 can generate a signal indicating that
device 100 has been placed so that the edge of screens 104 and 108
are substantially horizontal. The signals can then be used in
combination to generate events that trigger changes in the display
of information on screens 104 and 108.
FIG. 1J illustrates device 100 in a "modified easel" position. In
the "modified easel" position, one of screens 104 or 108 is used as
a stand and is faced down on the surface of an object such as a
table. This position provides a convenient way for information to
be displayed to a user in landscape orientation. Similar to the
easel position, when device 100 is in the "modified easel"
position, position sensors 172A and 172B generate a signal
indicating that the screens 104 and 108 are positioned at an angle
to each other. The accelerometer 176 would generate a signal
indicating that device 100 has been positioned so that one of
screens 104 and 108 is faced downwardly and is substantially
horizontal. The signals can then be used to generate events that
trigger changes in the display of information of screens 104 and
108. For example, information may not be displayed on the screen
that is face down since a user cannot see the screen.
Transitional states are also possible. When the position sensors
172A and B and/or accelerometer indicate that the screens are being
closed or folded (from open), a closing transitional state is
recognized. Conversely when the position sensors 172A and B
indicate that the screens are being opened or folded (from closed),
an opening transitional state is recognized. The closing and
opening transitional states are typically time-based, or have a
maximum time duration from a sensed starting point. Normally, no
user input is possible when one of the closing and opening states
is in effect. In this manner, incidental user contact with a screen
during the closing or opening function is not misinterpreted as
user input. In embodiments, another transitional state is possible
when the device 100 is closed. This additional transitional state
allows the display to switch from one screen 104 to the second
screen 108 when the device 100 is closed based on some user input,
e.g., a double tap on the screen 110,114.
As can be appreciated, the description of device 100 is made for
illustrative purposes only, and the embodiments are not limited to
the specific mechanical features shown in FIGS. 1A-1J and described
above. In other embodiments, device 100 may include additional
features, including one or more additional buttons, slots, display
areas, hinges, and/or locking mechanisms. Additionally, in
embodiments, the features described above may be located in
different parts of device 100 and still provide similar
functionality. Therefore, FIGS. 1A-1J and the description provided
above are nonlimiting.
Hardware Features:
FIG. 2 illustrates components of a device 100 in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the device 100
includes a primary screen 104 and a secondary screen 108. While the
primary screen 104 and its components are normally enabled in both
the opened and closed positions or states, the secondary screen 108
and its components are normally enabled in the opened state but
disabled in the closed state. However, even when in the closed
state a user or application triggered interrupt (such as in
response to a phone application or camera application operation)
can flip the active screen, or disable the primary screen 104 and
enable the secondary screen 108, by a suitable command. Each screen
104, 108 can be touch sensitive and can include different operative
areas. For example, a first operative area, within each touch
sensitive screen 104 and 108, may comprise a touch sensitive
display 110, 114. In general, the touch sensitive display 110, 114
may comprise a full color, touch sensitive display. A second area
within each touch sensitive screen 104 and 108 may comprise a
gesture capture region 120, 124. The gesture capture region 120,
124 may comprise an area or region that is outside of the touch
sensitive display 110, 114 area, and that is capable of receiving
input, for example in the form of gestures provided by a user.
However, the gesture capture region 120, 124 does not include
pixels that can perform a display function or capability.
A third region of the touch sensitive screens 104 and 108 may
comprise a configurable area 112, 116. The configurable area 112,
116 is capable of receiving input and has display or limited
display capabilities. In embodiments, the configurable area 112,
116 may present different input options to the user. For example,
the configurable area 112, 116 may display buttons or other
relatable items. Moreover, the identity of displayed buttons, or
whether any buttons are displayed at all within the configurable
area 112, 116 of a touch sensitive screen 104 or 108, may be
determined from the context in which the device 100 is used and/or
operated. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensitive screens
104 and 108 comprise liquid crystal display devices extending
across at least those regions of the touch sensitive screens 104
and 108 that are capable of providing visual output to a user, and
a capacitive input matrix over those regions of the touch sensitive
screens 104 and 108 that are capable of receiving input from the
user.
One or more display controllers 216a, 216b may be provided for
controlling the operation of the touch sensitive screens 104 and
108, including input (touch sensing) and output (display)
functions. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a
separate touch screen controller 216a or 216b is provided for each
touch screen 104 and 108. In accordance with alternate embodiments,
a common or shared touch screen controller 216 may be used to
control each of the included touch sensitive screens 104 and 108.
In accordance with still other embodiments, the functions of a
touch screen controller 216 may be incorporated into other
components, such as a processor 204.
The processor 204 may comprise a general purpose programmable
processor or controller for executing application programming or
instructions. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the
processor 204 may include multiple processor cores, and/or
implement multiple virtual processors. In accordance with still
other embodiments, the processor 204 may include multiple physical
processors. As a particular example, the processor 204 may comprise
a specially configured application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC) or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a
controller, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit, a programmable
logic device or gate array, a special purpose computer, or the
like. The processor 204 generally functions to run programming code
or instructions implementing various functions of the device
100.
A communication device 100 may also include memory 208 for use in
connection with the execution of application programming or
instructions by the processor 204, and for the temporary or long
term storage of program instructions and/or data. As examples, the
memory 208 may comprise RAM, DRAM, SDRAM, or other solid state
memory. Alternatively or in addition, data storage 212 may be
provided. Like the memory 208, the data storage 212 may comprise a
solid state memory device or devices. Alternatively or in addition,
the data storage 212 may comprise a hard disk drive or other random
access memory.
In support of communications functions or capabilities, the device
100 can include a cellular telephony module 228. As examples, the
cellular telephony module 228 can comprise a GSM, CDMA, FDMA and/or
analog cellular telephony transceiver capable of supporting voice,
multimedia and/or data transfers over a cellular network.
Alternatively or in addition, the device 100 can include an
additional or other wireless communications module 232. As
examples, the other wireless communications module 232 can comprise
a Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH.TM., WiMax, infrared, or other wireless
communications link. The cellular telephony module 228 and the
other wireless communications module 232 can each be associated
with a shared or a dedicated antenna 224.
A port interface 252 may be included. The port interface 252 may
include proprietary or universal ports to support the
interconnection of the device 100 to other devices or components,
such as a dock, which may or may not include additional or
different capabilities from those integral to the device 100. In
addition to supporting an exchange of communication signals between
the device 100 and another device or component, the docking port
136 and/or port interface 252 can support the supply of power to or
from the device 100. The port interface 252 also comprises an
intelligent element that comprises a docking module for controlling
communications or other interactions between the device 100 and a
connected device or component.
An input/output module 248 and associated ports may be included to
support communications over wired networks or links, for example
with other communication devices, server devices, and/or peripheral
devices. Examples of an input/output module 248 include an Ethernet
port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394, or other interface.
An audio input/output interface/device(s) 244 can be included to
provide analog audio to an interconnected speaker or other device,
and to receive analog audio input from a connected microphone or
other device. As an example, the audio input/output
interface/device(s) 244 may comprise an associated amplifier and
analog to digital converter. Alternatively or in addition, the
device 100 can include an integrated audio input/output device 256
and/or an audio jack for interconnecting an external speaker or
microphone. For example, an integrated speaker and an integrated
microphone can be provided, to support near talk or speaker phone
operations.
Hardware buttons 158 can be included for example for use in
connection with certain control operations. Examples include a
master power switch, volume control, etc., as described in
conjunction with FIGS. 1A through 1J. One or more image capture
interfaces/devices 240, such as a camera, can be included for
capturing still and/or video images. Alternatively or in addition,
an image capture interface/device 240 can include a scanner or code
reader. An image capture interface/device 240 can include or be
associated with additional elements, such as a flash or other light
source.
The device 100 can also include a global positioning system (GPS)
receiver 236. In accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, the GPS receiver 236 may further comprise a GPS module
that is capable of providing absolute location information to other
components of the device 100. An accelerometer(s) 176 may also be
included. For example, in connection with the display of
information to a user and/or other functions, a signal from the
accelerometer 176 can be used to determine an orientation and/or
format in which to display that information to the user.
Embodiments of the present invention can also include one or more
position sensor(s) 172. The position sensor 172 can provide a
signal indicating the position of the touch sensitive screens 104
and 108 relative to one another. This information can be provided
as an input, for example to a user interface application, to
determine an operating mode, characteristics of the touch sensitive
displays 110, 114, and/or other device 100 operations. As examples,
a screen position sensor 172 can comprise a series of Hall effect
sensors, a multiple position switch, an optical switch, a
Wheatstone bridge, a potentiometer, or other arrangement capable of
providing a signal indicating of multiple relative positions the
touch screens are in.
Communications between various components of the device 100 can be
carried by one or more buses 222. In addition, power can be
supplied to the components of the device 100 from a power source
and/or power control module 260. The power control module 260 can,
for example, include a battery, an AC to DC converter, power
control logic, and/or ports for interconnecting the device 100 to
an external source of power.
Device State:
FIGS. 3A and 3B represent illustrative states of device 100. While
a number of illustrative states are shown, and transitions from a
first state to a second state, it is to be appreciated that the
illustrative state diagram may not encompass all possible states
and/or all possible transitions from a first state to a second
state. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the various arrows between the
states (illustrated by the state represented in the circle)
represent a physical change that occurs to the device 100, that is
detected by one or more of hardware and software, the detection
triggering one or more of a hardware and/or software interrupt that
is used to control and/or manage one or more functions of device
100.
As illustrated in FIG. 3A, there are twelve exemplary "physical"
states: closed 304, transition 308 (or opening transitional state),
easel 312, modified easel 316, open 320, inbound/outbound call or
communication 324, image/video capture 328, transition 332 (or
closing transitional state), landscape 340, docked 336, docked 344
and landscape 348. Next to each illustrative state is a
representation of the physical state of the device 100 with the
exception of states 324 and 328, where the state is generally
symbolized by the international icon for a telephone and the icon
for a camera, respectfully.
In state 304, the device is in a closed state with the device 100
generally oriented in the portrait direction with the primary
screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 back-to-back in different
planes (see FIG. 1H). From the closed state, the device 100 can
enter, for example, docked state 336, where the device 100 is
coupled with a docking station, docking cable, or in general docked
or associated with one or more other devices or peripherals, or the
landscape state 340, where the device 100 is generally oriented
with the primary screen 104 facing the user, and the primary screen
104 and the secondary screen 108 being back-to-back.
In the closed state, the device can also move to a transitional
state where the device remains closed by the display is moved from
one screen 104 to another screen 108 based on a user input, e.g., a
double tap on the screen 110, 114. Still another embodiment
includes a bilateral state. In the bilateral state, the device
remains closed, but a single application displays at least one
window on both the first display 110 and the second display 114.
The windows shown on the first and second display 110, 114 may be
the same or different based on the application and the state of
that application. For example, while acquiring an image with a
camera, the device may display the view finder on the first display
110 and displays a preview for the photo subjects (full screen and
mirrored left-to-right) on the second display 114.
In state 308, a transition state from the closed state 304 to the
semi-open state or easel state 312, the device 100 is shown opening
with the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 being
rotated around a point of axis coincidence with the hinge. Upon
entering the easel state 312, the primary screen 104 and the
secondary screen 108 are separated from one another such that, for
example, the device 100 can sit in an easel-like configuration on a
surface.
In state 316, known as the modified easel position, the device 100
has the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 in a
similar relative relationship to one another as in the easel state
312, with the difference being one of the primary screen 104 or the
secondary screen 108 are placed on a surface as shown.
State 320 is the open state where the primary screen 104 and the
secondary screen 108 are generally on the same plane. From the open
state, the device 100 can transition to the docked state 344 or the
open landscape state 348. In the open state 320, the primary screen
104 and the secondary screen 108 are generally in the portrait-like
orientation while in landscaped state 348 the primary screen 104
and the secondary screen 108 are generally in a landscape-like
orientation.
State 324 is illustrative of a communication state, such as when an
inbound or outbound call is being received or placed, respectively,
by the device 100. While not illustrated for clarity, it should be
appreciated the device 100 can transition to the inbound/outbound
call state 324 from any state illustrated in FIG. 3. In a similar
manner, the image/video capture state 328 can be entered into from
any other state in FIG. 3, with the image/video capture state 328
allowing the device 100 to take one or more images via a camera
and/or videos with a video capture device 240.
Transition state 322 illustratively shows primary screen 104 and
the secondary screen 108 being closed upon one another for entry
into, for example, the closed state 304.
FIG. 3B illustrates, with reference to the key, the inputs that are
received to detect a transition from a first state to a second
state. In FIG. 3B, various combinations of states are shown with in
general, a portion of the columns being directed toward a portrait
state 352, a landscape state 356, and a portion of the rows being
directed to portrait state 360 and landscape state 364.
In FIG. 3B, the Key indicates that "H" represents an input from one
or more Hall Effect sensors, "A" represents an input from one or
more accelerometers, "T" represents an input from a timer, "P"
represents a communications trigger input and "I" represents an
image and/or video capture request input. Thus, in the center
portion 376 of the chart, an input, or combination of inputs, are
shown that represent how the device 100 detects a transition from a
first physical state to a second physical state.
As discussed, in the center portion of the chart 376, the inputs
that are received enable the detection of a transition from, for
example, a portrait open state to a landscape easel state--shown in
bold--"HAT." For this exemplary transition from the portrait open
to the landscape easel state, a Hall Effect sensor ("H"), an
accelerometer ("A") and a timer ("T") input may be needed. The
timer input can be derived from, for example, a clock associated
with the processor.
In addition to the portrait and landscape states, a docked state
368 is also shown that is triggered based on the receipt of a
docking signal 372. As discussed above and in relation to FIG. 3,
the docking signal can be triggered by the association of the
device 100 with one or more other device 100s, accessories,
peripherals, smart docks, or the like.
User Interaction:
FIGS. 4A through 4H depict various graphical representations of
gesture inputs that may be recognized by the screens 104, 108. The
gestures may be performed not only by a user's body part, such as a
digit, but also by other devices, such as a stylus, that may be
sensed by the contact sensing portion(s) of a screen 104, 108. In
general, gestures are interpreted differently, based on where the
gestures are performed (either directly on the display 110, 114 or
in the gesture capture region 120, 124). For example, gestures in
the display 110,114 may be directed to a desktop or application,
and gestures in the gesture capture region 120, 124 may be
interpreted as for the system.
With reference to FIGS. 4A-4H, a first type of gesture, a touch
gesture 420, is substantially stationary on the screen 104,108 for
a selected length of time. A circle 428 represents a touch or other
contact type received at particular location of a contact sensing
portion of the screen. The circle 428 may include a border 432, the
thickness of which indicates a length of time that the contact is
held substantially stationary at the contact location. For
instance, a tap 420 (or short press) has a thinner border 432a than
the border 432b for a long press 424 (or for a normal press). The
long press 424 may involve a contact that remains substantially
stationary on the screen for longer time period than that of a tap
420. As will be appreciated, differently defined gestures may be
registered depending upon the length of time that the touch remains
stationary prior to contact cessation or movement on the
screen.
With reference to FIG. 4C, a drag gesture 400 on the screen 104,108
is an initial contact (represented by circle 428) with contact
movement 436 in a selected direction. The initial contact 428 may
remain stationary on the screen 104,108 for a certain amount of
time represented by the border 432. The drag gesture typically
requires the user to contact an icon, window, or other displayed
image at a first location followed by movement of the contact in a
drag direction to a new second location desired for the selected
displayed image. The contact movement need not be in a straight
line but have any path of movement so long as the contact is
substantially continuous from the first to the second
locations.
With reference to FIG. 4D, a flick gesture 404 on the screen
104,108 is an initial contact (represented by circle 428) with
truncated contact movement 436 (relative to a drag gesture) in a
selected direction. In embodiments, a flick has a higher exit
velocity for the last movement in the gesture compared to the drag
gesture. The flick gesture can, for instance, be a finger snap
following initial contact. Compared to a drag gesture, a flick
gesture generally does not require continual contact with the
screen 104,108 from the first location of a displayed image to a
predetermined second location. The contacted displayed image is
moved by the flick gesture in the direction of the flick gesture to
the predetermined second location. Although both gestures commonly
can move a displayed image from a first location to a second
location, the temporal duration and distance of travel of the
contact on the screen is generally less for a flick than for a drag
gesture.
With reference to FIG. 4E, a pinch gesture 408 on the screen
104,108 is depicted. The pinch gesture 408 may be initiated by a
first contact 428a to the screen 104,108 by, for example, a first
digit and a second contact 428b to the screen 104,108 by, for
example, a second digit. The first and second contacts 428a,b may
be detected by a common contact sensing portion of a common screen
104,108, by different contact sensing portions of a common screen
104 or 108, or by different contact sensing portions of different
screens. The first contact 428a is held for a first amount of time,
as represented by the border 432a, and the second contact 428b is
held for a second amount of time, as represented by the border
432b. The first and second amounts of time are generally
substantially the same, and the first and second contacts 428a, b
generally occur substantially simultaneously. The first and second
contacts 428a, b generally also include corresponding first and
second contact movements 436a, b, respectively. The first and
second contact movements 436a, b are generally in opposing
directions. Stated another way, the first contact movement 436a is
towards the second contact 436b, and the second contact movement
436b is towards the first contact 436a. More simply stated, the
pinch gesture 408 may be accomplished by a user's digits touching
the screen 104,108 in a pinching motion.
With reference to FIG. 4F, a spread gesture 410 on the screen
104,108 is depicted. The spread gesture 410 may be initiated by a
first contact 428a to the screen 104,108 by, for example, a first
digit and a second contact 428b to the screen 104,108 by, for
example, a second digit. The first and second contacts 428a,b may
be detected by a common contact sensing portion of a common screen
104,108, by different contact sensing portions of a common screen
104,108, or by different contact sensing portions of different
screens. The first contact 428a is held for a first amount of time,
as represented by the border 432a, and the second contact 428b is
held for a second amount of time, as represented by the border
432b. The first and second amounts of time are generally
substantially the same, and the first and second contacts 428a, b
generally occur substantially simultaneously. The first and second
contacts 428a, b generally also include corresponding first and
second contact movements 436a, b, respectively. The first and
second contact movements 436a, b are generally in a common
direction. Stated another way, the first and second contact
movements 436a, b are away from the first and second contacts 428a,
b. More simply stated, the spread gesture 410 may be accomplished
by a user's digits touching the screen 104,108 in a spreading
motion.
The above gestures may be combined in any manner, such as those
shown by FIGS. 4G and 4H, to produce a determined functional
result. For example, in FIG. 4G a tap gesture 420 is combined with
a drag or flick gesture 412 in a direction away from the tap
gesture 420. In FIG. 4H, a tap gesture 420 is combined with a drag
or flick gesture 412 in a direction towards the tap gesture
420.
The functional result of receiving a gesture can vary depending on
a number of factors, including a state of the device 100, display
110, 114, or screen 104, 108, a context associated with the
gesture, or sensed location of the gesture. The state of the device
commonly refers to one or more of a configuration of the device
100, a display orientation, and user and other inputs received by
the device 100. Context commonly refers to one or more of the
particular application(s) selected by the gesture and the
portion(s) of the application currently executing, whether the
application is a single- or multi-screen application, and whether
the application is a multi-screen application displaying one or
more windows in one or more screens or in one or more stacks.
Sensed location of the gesture commonly refers to whether the
sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates are on a touch
sensitive display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124,
whether the sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates are
associated with a common or different display or screen 104,108,
and/or what portion of the gesture capture region contains the
sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates.
A tap, when received by an a touch sensitive display 110, 114, can
be used, for instance, to select an icon to initiate or terminate
execution of a corresponding application, to maximize or minimize a
window, to reorder windows in a stack, and to provide user input
such as by keyboard display or other displayed image. A drag, when
received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114, can be used, for
instance, to relocate an icon or window to a desired location
within a display, to reorder a stack on a display, or to span both
displays (such that the selected window occupies a portion of each
display simultaneously). A flick, when received by a touch
sensitive display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124,
can be used to relocate a window from a first display to a second
display or to span both displays (such that the selected window
occupies a portion of each display simultaneously). Unlike the drag
gesture, however, the flick gesture is generally not used to move
the displayed image to a specific user-selected location but to a
default location that is not configurable by the user.
The pinch gesture, when received by a touch sensitive display 110,
114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124, can be used to maximize
or otherwise increase the displayed area or size of a window
(typically when received entirely by a common display), to switch
windows displayed at the top of the stack on each display to the
top of the stack of the other display (typically when received by
different displays or screens), or to display an application
manager (a "pop-up window" that displays the windows in the stack).
The spread gesture, when received by a touch sensitive display 110,
114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124, can be used to minimize
or otherwise decrease the displayed area or size of a window, to
switch windows displayed at the top of the stack on each display to
the top of the stack of the other display (typically when received
by different displays or screens), or to display an application
manager (typically when received by an off-screen gesture capture
region on the same or different screens).
The combined gestures of FIG. 4G, when received by a common display
capture region in a common display or screen 104,108, can be used
to hold a first window stack location in a first stack constant for
a display receiving the gesture while reordering a second window
stack location in a second window stack to include a window in the
display receiving the gesture. The combined gestures of FIG. 4H,
when received by different display capture regions in a common
display or screen 104,108 or in different displays or screens, can
be used to hold a first window stack location in a first window
stack constant for a display receiving the tap part of the gesture
while reordering a second window stack location in a second window
stack to include a window in the display receiving the flick or
drag gesture. Although specific gestures and gesture capture
regions in the preceding examples have been associated with
corresponding sets of functional results, it is to be appreciated
that these associations can be redefined in any manner to produce
differing associations between gestures and/or gesture capture
regions and/or functional results.
Firmware and Software:
The memory 508 may store and the processor 504 may execute one or
more software components. These components can include at least one
operating system (OS) 516a and/or 516b, a framework 520, and/or one
or more applications 564a and/or 564b from an application store
560. The processor 504 may receive inputs from drivers 512,
previously described in conjunction with FIG. 2. The OS 516 can be
any software, consisting of programs and data, that manages
computer hardware resources and provides common services for the
execution of various applications 564. The OS 516 can be any
operating system and, at least in some embodiments, dedicated to
mobile devices, including, but not limited to, Linux, ANDROID.TM.,
iPhone OS (IOS.TM.), WINDOWS PHONE 7.TM., etc. The OS 516 is
operable to provide functionality to the phone by executing one or
more operations, as described herein.
The applications 564 can be any higher level software that executes
particular functionality for the user. Applications 564 can include
programs such as email clients, web browsers, texting applications,
games, media players, office suites, etc. The applications 564 can
be stored in an application store 560, which may represent any
memory or data storage, and the management software associated
therewith, for storing the applications 564. Once executed, the
applications 564 may be run in a different area of memory 508.
The framework 520 may be any software or data that allows the
multiple tasks running on the device to interact. In embodiments,
at least portions of the framework 520 and the discrete components
described hereinafter may be considered part of the OS 516 or an
application 564. However, these portions will be described as part
of the framework 520, but those components are not so limited. The
framework 520 can include, but is not limited to, a Multi-Display
Management (MDM) module 524, a Surface Cache module 528, a Window
Management module 532, an Input Management module 536, a Task
Management module 540, a Display Controller, one or more frame
buffers 548, a task stack 552, one or more window stacks 550 (which
is a logical arrangement of windows and/or desktops in a display
area), and/or an event buffer 556.
The MDM module 524 includes one or more modules that are operable
to manage the display of applications or other data on the screens
of the device. An embodiment of the MDM module 524 is described in
conjunction with FIG. 5B. In embodiments, the MDM module 524
receives inputs from the OS 516, the drivers 512 and the
applications 564. The inputs assist the MDM module 524 in
determining how to configure and allocate the displays according to
the application's preferences and requirements, and the user's
actions. Once a determination for display configurations is
determined, the MDM module 524 can bind the applications 564 to a
display configuration. The configuration may then be provided to
one or more other components to generate the display.
The Surface Cache module 528 includes any memory or storage and the
software associated therewith to store or cache one or more images
from the display screens. Each display screen may have associated
with the screen a series of active and non-active windows (or other
display objects (such as a desktop display)). The active window (or
other display object) is currently being displayed. The non-active
windows (or other display objects) were opened and/or at some time
displayed but are now "behind" the active window (or other display
object). To enhance the user experience, before being covered by
another active window (or other display object), a "screen shot" of
a last generated image of the window (or other display object) can
be stored. The Surface Cache module 528 may be operable to store
the last active image of a window (or other display object) not
currently displayed. Thus, the Surface Cache module 528 stores the
images of non-active windows (or other display objects) in a data
store (not shown).
In embodiments, the Window Management module 532 is operable to
manage the windows (or other display objects) that are active or
not active on each of the screens. The Window Management module
532, based on information from the MDM module 524, the OS 516, or
other components, determines when a window (or other display
object) is active or not active. The Window Management module 532
may then put a non-visible window (or other display object) in a
"not active state" and, in conjunction with the Task Management
module Task Management 540 suspend the application's operation.
Further, the Window Management module 532 may assign a screen
identifier to the window (or other display object) or manage one or
more other items of data associated with the window (or other
display object). The Window Management module 532 may also provide
the stored information to the application 564, the Task Management
module 540, or other components interacting with or associated with
the window (or other display object).
The Input Management module 536 is operable to manage events that
occur with the device. An event is any input into the window
environment, for example, a user interface interactions with a
user. The Input Management module 536 receives the events and
logically stores the events in an event buffer 556. Events can
include such user interface interactions as a "down event," which
occurs when a screen 104, 108 receives a touch signal from a user,
a "move event," which occurs when the screen 104, 108 determines
that a user's finger is moving across a screen(s), an "up event,
which occurs when the screen 104, 108 determines that the user has
stopped touching the screen 104, 108, etc. These events are
received, stored, and forwarded to other modules by the Input
Management module 536.
A task can be an application component that provides a screen with
which users can interact in order to do something, such as dial the
phone, take a photo, send an email, or view a map. Each task may be
given a window in which to draw a user interface. The window
typically fills the display 110,114, but may be smaller than the
display 110,114 and float on top of other windows. An application
usually consists of multiple activities that are loosely bound to
each other. Typically, one task in an application is specified as
the "main" task, which is presented to the user when launching the
application for the first time. Each task can then start another
task to perform different actions.
The Task Management module 540 is operable to manage the operation
of the one or more applications 564 that may be executed by the
device. Thus, the Task Management module 540 can receive signals to
execute an application stored in the application store 560. The
Task Management module 540 may then instantiate one or more tasks
or components of the application 564 to begin operation of the
application 564. Further, the Task Management module 540 may
suspend the application 564 based on user interface changes.
Suspending the application 564 may maintain application data in
memory but may limit or stop access to processor cycles for the
application 564. Once the application becomes active again, the
Task Management module 540 can again provide access to the
processor.
The Display Controller 544 is operable to render and output the
display(s) for the multi-screen device. In embodiments, the Display
Controller 544 creates and/or manages one or more frame buffers
548. A frame buffer 548 can be a display output that drives a
display from a portion of memory containing a complete frame of
display data. In embodiments, the Display Controller 544 manages
one or more frame buffers. One frame buffer may be a composite
frame buffer that can represent the entire display space of both
screens. This composite frame buffer can appear as a single frame
to the OS 516. The Display Controller 544 can sub-divide this
composite frame buffer as required for use by each of the displays
110, 114. Thus, by using the Display Controller 544, the device 100
can have multiple screen displays without changing the underlying
software of the OS 516.
The Application Manager 562 can be a service that provides the
presentation layer for the window environment. Thus, the
Application Manager 562 provides the graphical model for rendering
by the Window Management Module 556. Likewise, the Desktop 566
provides the presentation layer for the Application Store 560.
Thus, the desktop provides a graphical model of a surface having
selectable application icons for the Applications 564 in the
Application Store 560 that can be provided to the Window Management
Module 556 for rendering.
An embodiment of the MDM module 524 is shown in FIG. 5B. The MDM
module 524 is operable to determine the state of the environment
for the device, including, but not limited to, the orientation of
the device, what applications 564 are executing, how the
applications 564 are to be displayed, what actions the user is
conducting, the tasks being displayed, etc. To configure the
display, the MDM module 524 interprets these environmental factors
and determines a display configuration, as described in conjunction
with FIGS. 6A-6J. Then, the MDM module 524 can bind the
applications 564 or other device components to the displays. The
configuration may then be sent to the Display Controller 544 and/or
the OS 516 to generate the display. The MDM module 524 can include
one or more of, but is not limited to, a Display Configuration
Module 568, a Preferences Module 572, a Device State Module 574, a
Gesture Module 576, a Requirements Module 580, an Event Module 584,
and/or a Binding Module 588.
The Display Configuration Module 568 determines the layout for the
display. In embodiments, the Display Configuration Module 568 can
determine the environmental factors. The environmental factors may
be received from one or more other MDM module 524 modules or from
other sources. The Display Configuration Module 568 can then
determine from the list of factors the best configuration for the
display. Some embodiments of the possible configurations and the
factors associated therewith are described in conjunction with
FIGS. 6A-6F.
The Preferences Module 572 is operable to determine display
preferences for an application 564 or other component. For example,
an application can have a preference for Single or Dual displays.
The Preferences Module 572 can determine or receive the application
preferences and store the preferences. As the configuration of the
device changes, the preferences may be reviewed to determine if a
better display configuration can be achieved for the application
564.
The Device State Module 574 is operable to determine or receive the
state of the device. The state of the device can be as described in
conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B. The state of the device can be
used by the Display Configuration Module 568 to determine the
configuration for the display. As such, the Device State Module 574
may receive inputs and interpret the state of the device. The state
information is then provided to the Display Configuration Module
568.
The Gesture Module 576 is operable to determine if the user is
conducting any actions on the user interface. Thus, the Gesture
Module 576 can receive task information either from the task stack
552 or the Input Management module 536. These gestures may be as
defined in conjunction with FIGS. 4A through 4H. For example,
moving a window causes the display to render a series of display
frames that illustrate the window moving. The gesture associated
with such user interface interaction can be received and
interpreted by the Gesture Module 576. The information about the
user gesture is then sent to the Task Management Module 540 to
modify the display binding of the task.
The Requirements Module 580, similar to the Preferences Module 572,
is operable to determine display requirements for an application
564 or other component. An application can have a set display
requirement that must be observed. Some applications require a
particular display orientation. For example, the application "Angry
Birds" can only be displayed in landscape orientation. This type of
display requirement can be determined or received, by the
Requirements Module 580. As the orientation of the device changes,
the Requirements Module 580 can reassert the display requirements
for the application 564. The Display Configuration Module 568 can
generate a display configuration that is in accordance with the
application display requirements, as provided by the Requirements
Module 580.
The Event Module 584, similar to the Gesture Module 576, is
operable to determine one or more events occurring with an
application or other component that can affect the user interface.
Thus, the Gesture Module 576 can receive event information either
from the event buffer 556 or the Task Management module 540. These
events can change how the tasks are bound to the displays. For
example, an email application receiving an email can cause the
display to render the new message in a secondary screen. The events
associated with such application execution can be received and
interpreted by the Event Module 584. The information about the
events then may be sent to the Display Configuration Module 568 to
modify the configuration of the display.
The Binding Module 588 is operable to bind the applications 564 or
the other components to the configuration determined by the Display
Configuration Module 568. A binding associates, in memory, the
display configuration for each application with the display and
mode of the application. Thus, the Binding Module 588 can associate
an application with a display configuration for the application
(e.g. landscape, portrait, multi-screen, etc.). Then, the Binding
Module 588 may assign a display identifier to the display. The
display identifier associated the application with a particular
screen of the device. This binding is then stored and provided to
the Display Controller 544, the OS 516, or other components to
properly render the display. The binding is dynamic and can change
or be updated based on configuration changes associated with
events, gestures, state changes, application preferences or
requirements, etc.
User Interface Configurations:
With reference now to FIGS. 6A-J, various types of output
configurations made possible by the device 100 will be described
hereinafter.
FIGS. 6A and 6B depict two different output configurations of the
device 100 being in a first state. Specifically, FIG. 6A depicts
the device 100 being in a closed portrait state 304 where the data
is displayed on the primary screen 104. In this example, the device
100 displays data via the touch sensitive display 110 in a first
portrait configuration 604. As can be appreciated, the first
portrait configuration 604 may only display a desktop or operating
system home screen. Alternatively, one or more windows may be
presented in a portrait orientation while the device 100 is
displaying data in the first portrait configuration 604.
FIG. 6B depicts the device 100 still being in the closed portrait
state 304, but instead data is displayed on the secondary screen
108. In this example, the device 100 displays data via the touch
sensitive display 114 in a second portrait configuration 608.
It may be possible to display similar or different data in either
the first or second portrait configuration 604, 608. It may also be
possible to transition between the first portrait configuration 604
and second portrait configuration 608 by providing the device 100 a
user gesture (e.g., a double tap gesture), a menu selection, or
other means. Other suitable gestures may also be employed to
transition between configurations. Furthermore, it may also be
possible to transition the device 100 from the first or second
portrait configuration 604, 608 to any other configuration
described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is
moved.
An alternative output configuration may be accommodated by the
device 100 being in a second state. Specifically, FIG. 6C depicts a
third portrait configuration where data is displayed simultaneously
on both the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108. The
third portrait configuration may be referred to as a Dual-Portrait
(PD) output configuration. In the PD output configuration, the
touch sensitive display 110 of the primary screen 104 depicts data
in the first portrait configuration 604 while the touch sensitive
display 114 of the secondary screen 108 depicts data in the second
portrait configuration 608. The simultaneous presentation of the
first portrait configuration 604 and the second portrait
configuration 608 may occur when the device 100 is in an open
portrait state 320. In this configuration, the device 100 may
display one application window in one display 110 or 114, two
application windows (one in each display 110 and 114), one
application window and one desktop, or one desktop. Other
configurations may be possible. It should be appreciated that it
may also be possible to transition the device 100 from the
simultaneous display of configurations 604, 608 to any other
configuration described herein depending upon which state the
device 100 is moved. Furthermore, while in this state, an
application's display preference may place the device into
bilateral mode, in which both displays are active to display
different windows in the same application. For example, a Camera
application may display a viewfinder and controls on one side,
while the other side displays a mirrored preview that can be seen
by the photo subjects. Games involving simultaneous play by two
players may also take advantage of bilateral mode.
FIGS. 6D and 6E depicts two further output configurations of the
device 100 being in a third state. Specifically, FIG. 6D depicts
the device 100 being in a closed landscape state 340 where the data
is displayed on the primary screen 104. In this example, the device
100 displays data via the touch sensitive display 110 in a first
landscape configuration 612. Much like the other configurations
described herein, the first landscape configuration 612 may display
a desktop, a home screen, one or more windows displaying
application data, or the like.
FIG. 6E depicts the device 100 still being in the closed landscape
state 340, but instead data is displayed on the secondary screen
108. In this example, the device 100 displays data via the touch
sensitive display 114 in a second landscape configuration 616. It
may be possible to display similar or different data in either the
first or second portrait configuration 612, 616. It may also be
possible to transition between the first landscape configuration
612 and second landscape configuration 616 by providing the device
100 with one or both of a twist and tap gesture or a flip and slide
gesture. Other suitable gestures may also be employed to transition
between configurations. Furthermore, it may also be possible to
transition the device 100 from the first or second landscape
configuration 612, 616 to any other configuration described herein
depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.
FIG. 6F depicts a third landscape configuration where data is
displayed simultaneously on both the primary screen 104 and the
secondary screen 108. The third landscape configuration may be
referred to as a Dual-Landscape (LD) output configuration. In the
LD output configuration, the touch sensitive display 110 of the
primary screen 104 depicts data in the first landscape
configuration 612 while the touch sensitive display 114 of the
secondary screen 108 depicts data in the second landscape
configuration 616. The simultaneous presentation of the first
landscape configuration 612 and the second landscape configuration
616 may occur when the device 100 is in an open landscape state
340. It should be appreciated that it may also be possible to
transition the device 100 from the simultaneous display of
configurations 612, 616 to any other configuration described herein
depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.
FIGS. 6G and 6H depict two views of a device 100 being in yet
another state. Specifically, the device 100 is depicted as being in
an easel state 312. FIG. 6G shows that a first easel output
configuration 618 may be displayed on the touch sensitive display
110. FIG. 6H shows that a second easel output configuration 620 may
be displayed on the touch sensitive display 114. The device 100 may
be configured to depict either the first easel output configuration
618 or the second easel output configuration 620 individually.
Alternatively, both the easel output configurations 618, 620 may be
presented simultaneously. In some embodiments, the easel output
configurations 618, 620 may be similar or identical to the
landscape output configurations 612, 616. The device 100 may also
be configured to display one or both of the easel output
configurations 618, 620 while in a modified easel state 316. It
should be appreciated that simultaneous utilization of the easel
output configurations 618, 620 may facilitate two-person games
(e.g., Battleship.RTM., chess, checkers, etc.), multi-user
conferences where two or more users share the same device 100, and
other applications. As can be appreciated, it may also be possible
to transition the device 100 from the display of one or both
configurations 618, 620 to any other configuration described herein
depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.
FIG. 6I depicts yet another output configuration that may be
accommodated while the device 100 is in an open portrait state 320.
Specifically, the device 100 may be configured to present a single
continuous image across both touch sensitive displays 110, 114 in a
portrait configuration referred to herein as a Portrait-Max (PMax)
configuration 624. In this configuration, data (e.g., a single
image, application, window, icon, video, etc.) may be split and
displayed partially on one of the touch sensitive displays while
the other portion of the data is displayed on the other touch
sensitive display. The Pmax configuration 624 may facilitate a
larger display and/or better resolution for displaying a particular
image on the device 100. Similar to other output configurations, it
may be possible to transition the device 100 from the Pmax
configuration 624 to any other output configuration described
herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.
FIG. 6J depicts still another output configuration that may be
accommodated while the device 100 is in an open landscape state
348. Specifically, the device 100 may be configured to present a
single continuous image across both touch sensitive displays 110,
114 in a landscape configuration referred to herein as a
Landscape-Max (LMax) configuration 628. In this configuration, data
(e.g., a single image, application, window, icon, video, etc.) may
be split and displayed partially on one of the touch sensitive
displays while the other portion of the data is displayed on the
other touch sensitive display. The Lmax configuration 628 may
facilitate a larger display and/or better resolution for displaying
a particular image on the device 100. Similar to other output
configurations, it may be possible to transition the device 100
from the Lmax configuration 628 to any other output configuration
described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is
moved.
Display Controls:
FIGS. 7A-C depict graphical representations of embodiments of a
device 100 in a closed portrait state 304 where the primary screen
104 in a first portrait configuration 604 is shown surrounded by a
solid line, while the secondary display 108 is in a second portrait
configuration 608 but is not visible (also known as non-visible),
and is accordingly represented by a surrounding dashed line. Other
pages 704, 708, 712, 716 that are not visible on the primary screen
104 or the secondary screen 108 are also graphically represented as
surrounded by dashed lines.
In one embodiment of the device 100, the MDM class 524 arranges
applications, desktops, and/or other displayable information
through the Window Management class 532 onto separate pages 704,
708, 712, 716 and organizes those pages 704, 708, 712, 716 into
virtual "stacks." These stacks of pages can be created, deleted,
shuffled, and/or moved by a user or an output from the MDM class
524, similar to a user manipulating the virtual playing cards of a
deck stack. In FIGS. 7A-C, the stacks of individual pages 704, 708,
712, 716 are shown spread outwardly in a linear format on both the
left side of the primary screen 104 as well the right side of the
non-visible secondary screen 108 to better visualize the
organization of the virtual stacks. The position of a page from the
primary screen 104 or secondary screen 108 is the position of the
page in each respective stack stored on the device 100. Therefore,
if a page is graphically represented immediately adjacent to the
primary screen 104, or immediately adjacent to the secondary screen
108, it is the first page in the stack that may be moved onto that
adjacent screen with a user input gesture. Although only several
pages of a stack are shown in FIGS. 7A-C, the number of pages
available to be organized in the stack can vary and, in some
embodiments, may equal the number of applications, desktops, and/or
other displayable information created on the device 100. Moreover,
the stack adjacent to the primary screen 104 and the stack adjacent
to the secondary screen 108 may act as a unified stack (where a
move or manipulation of a page from one stack moves or manipulates
the pages in both stacks), or as independent stacks (each screen
having its own independently navigable stack of pages).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is anticipated that
the concept of stacks disclosed herein may also be applied to
desktops available on the device 100. In other words, a desktop
virtual stack may be used for the desktops which can be displayed
by the device 100 and an application virtual stack may be used for
the applications which can be displayed by the device 100.
Specifically, when a desktop is revealed it may be divided into
multiple pages for display on multiple screens of the device 100.
These pages may be manipulated in their own desktop virtual stack,
or stacks, separate from the application virtual stacks and/or
other virtual stacks. This separation of stacks allows for greater
user flexibility in navigating through different applications or
desktops by creating an intuitive interface dependent on the data
displayed to the screens 104, 108. However, it is also anticipated
that these stacks could be combined to form a single virtual
stack.
FIG. 7A shows a graphical representation of the device 100 running
four separate applications. The device 100 is shown in a closed
portrait state 304. In the present embodiment, only the primary
screen 104 is visible showing a running application. Three pages
are not visible but are all running different applications.
Specifically, the non-visible secondary screen 108, a first stack
first page 704, and a second stack first page 712, are running
different applications (e.g., second application, third
application, and fourth application).
FIG. 7B shows an embodiment of the present device 100 where the
desktop reveal expansion has been initiated. The device 100 is
shown in a closed portrait state 304. The desktop reveal expansion
may be initiated by, (1) a user input gesture, (2) combination of
user input gestures, (3) a memory output, (4) a response to a
predetermined condition (e.g., application control, power levels,
communications interrupt, operating system state, device screen
state open/closed, timers, and single or multiple sensor outputs)
or (5) any combination thereof, that the MDM class 524 registers
and interprets as an initiation command. As illustrated in FIG. 7B,
once the desktop reveal expansion is initiated, the MDM class 524
and the Window Management class 532 move the application running on
the primary screen 104 to the first stack first page 704 (shown on
the left-hand side of the primary screen 104) and the second
application running on the secondary screen 108 to the second stack
first page 712 (shown on the right-hand side of the secondary
screen 108). At this time, the applications that were running on
the first stack first page 704 and the second stack first page 712,
are moved to a first stack second page 708 and a second stack
second page 716, respectively. The first page of the desktop is now
visible on the primary screen 104, while the non-visible secondary
screen 108 is running the second page of the desktop. When the
device 100 is closed, the MDM class 524 interprets the display
state of the secondary screen 108, and if the secondary screen 108
is in an "off" state (where the screen is not actively displaying
information), the MDM class 524 will create a virtual
representation of the display in its register through the Window
Management class 532.
In embodiments where multiple pages are open in a stack, an
initiation of the desktop reveal expansion will move each page one
position further away from the primary and secondary screens 104,
108. It is anticipated that at least one embodiment of the present
disclosure provides that pages in the first stack, as well as pages
in the second stack, may move together as if the pages were
virtually connected. Therefore, a single position move of one page
in a stack correspondingly moves all of the pages in that stack by
one position. In addition, it is anticipated that this concept can
also be applied to the pages of a virtual desktop stack.
FIG. 7C shows an embodiment of the present device 100, in a closed
portrait state 304, where the desktop reveal expansion has been
initiated and the desktop has been indexed to display the second
desktop page on the primary screen 104. As the second desktop is
indexed onto the primary screen 104, a third desktop is indexed
onto the non-visible secondary screen 108 by the MDM class 524 and
the Window Management class 532. While the desktop reveal expansion
is initiated, the user can navigate between desktop pages by moving
them into view on the primary screen 104 by providing a user input
gesture 720. This input may be detected by one or more of the
hardware components of the device 100 as discussed herein.
FIG. 8A shows a graphical representation of the device 100 running
four separate single-screen applications in an open portrait state
320. In the present embodiment, both the primary screen 104 and
secondary screen 108 are visible showing running applications. Two
pages are not visible but are running different applications.
Specifically, the first stack first page 704, and the second stack
first page 712, are running different applications (e.g., second
application and third application).
FIG. 8B shows an embodiment of the present device 100 where the
desktop reveal expansion has been initiated. The device 100 is
shown in an open portrait state 320. The desktop reveal expansion
may be initiated by, (1) a user input gesture, (2) combination of
user input gestures, (3) a memory output, (4) a response to a
predetermined condition (e.g., application control, power levels,
communications interrupt, operating system state, device screen
state open/closed, timers, and single or multiple sensor outputs)
or (5) any combination thereof, that the MDM class 524 registers
and interprets as an initiation command. As illustrated in FIG. 8B,
once the desktop reveal expansion is initiated, the MDM class 524
and the Window Management class 532 move the application running on
the primary screen 104 to the first stack first page 704 (shown on
the left-hand side of the primary screen) and the second
application running on the secondary screen 108 to the second stack
first page 712 (shown on the right-hand side of the secondary
screen). At this time, the applications that were running on the
first stack first page 704 and the second stack first page 712, are
moved to a first stack second page 708 and a second stack second
page 716, respectively. The first page of the desktop is now
visible on the primary screen 104, while the second page of the
desktop is visible on the secondary screen 108. It is anticipated
that at least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides
that pages in the left stack, as well as pages in the right stack,
may move together as if the pages in a stack are virtually
connected. Therefore, a single position move of a page in one stack
correspondingly moves all of the pages in that stack by one
position.
FIG. 8C shows an embodiment of the present device 100, in an open
portrait state 320, where the desktop reveal expansion has been
initiated and the desktop has been indexed to display the second
desktop page on the primary screen 104 and the third desktop on the
secondary screen 108. While the desktop reveal expansion is
initiated, the user can navigate between desktop pages by moving
them into view on the primary screen 104 and/or secondary screen
108 by providing a user input gesture 720. This input may be
detected by one or more of the hardware components of the device
100 as discussed herein. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the desktops may move together when being navigated by
the user. This linked movement of desktops is similar to
embodiments in which the pages in a stack can move together as
disclosed herein.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a desktop reveal expansion method 900 will
be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the
present disclosure. The method is initiated at step 904.
Specifically, a device 100 may be initially running applications on
one or more screens 104, 108 in an open or closed portrait state
304, 320. The method continues when the device 100 detects a
desktop reveal input (step 908) from the user. In some embodiments,
this input is registered at the MDM class 524.
Next, the MDM class 524 must detect any applications open or
running on the primary screen 104, the secondary screen 108, the
first stack, and the second stack. Once detected, the MDM class 524
and Window Management class 532 moves all of the application pages
one position further away from their initial positions adjacent to
the primary and secondary screens 104, 108 (step 916).
Specifically, the first stack is moved to the left of the primary
screen 104 and the second stack is moved to the right of the
secondary screen 108.
After or while the Window Management class 532 moves the
application pages, the method continues with the MDM class 524 and
Window Management class 532 displaying the first desktop on the
primary screen 104 and the second desktop on the secondary screen
108 (step 920). If the device 100 is closed, and at least one
display is turned off, then the desktop will only be displayed on
the screen that is on.
Once the desktop is revealed, the MDM class 524 detects a user
gesture input (step 924). The nature of the user gesture input will
determine whether to display the next desktop in order (step 928),
indicate the end of the available desktop range (step 932), or
deactivate the desktop reveal and return the previously open
applications to their original pages (step 936) which were detected
earlier in the process (at step 912).
Referring to FIG. 10, a desktop reveal expansion method 1000 will
be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the
present disclosure. The method is initiated at step 1004. This
method is initiated if the device 100 is already running with the
desktop revealed. The method continues when the device 100 detects
a user gesture input (step 1008). The MDM class 524 determines and
then registers the input provided by a user, which allows the user
to navigate through multiple desktop pages or cancel the desktop
reveal expansion (step 936).
After or while the MDM class 524 determines the desktop number
displayed on the primary screen 104, the MDM class 524 must
determine if the displayed desktop is the first, last, or one of
the desktops between the first and last desktops (steps 1016, 1028,
1040). If the first desktop is displayed 1016, the MDM class 524
interprets the previously registered gesture input and either
displays the next desktop in order 1020, or indicates to the user
that the desktop is at its end of range 1024. If the last desktop
is displayed 1028, the MDM class 524 interprets the previously
registered gesture input and either indicates to the user that the
desktop is at its end of range 1032, or it displays the previous
desktop in order 1036. If the desktop displayed on the primary
screen 104 is neither the first or last desktop, then the MDM class
524 interprets the previously registered gesture input to either
display the next desktop in order 1044 or display the previous
desktop in order 1048.
After the MDM class 524 interprets the previously registered
gesture input and displays the appropriate response, the MDM class
524 returns to determine user gesture input (step 1008) until the
method is ended (step 936).
The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been
described in relation to display controls for a multi-screen
device. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present
disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known
structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a
limitation of the scopes of the claims. Specific details are set
forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It
should however be appreciated that the present disclosure may be
practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth
herein.
Furthermore, while the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations illustrated herein show the various components of
the system collocated, certain components of the system can be
located remotely, at distant portions of a distributed network,
such as a LAN and/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system.
Thus, it should be appreciated, that the components of the system
can be combined in to one or more devices, such as a Personal
Computer (PC), laptop, netbook, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),
tablet, etc., or collocated on a particular node of a distributed
network, such as an analog and/or digital telecommunications
network, a packet-switch network, or a circuit-switched network. It
will be appreciated from the preceding description, and for reasons
of computational efficiency, that the components of the system can
be arranged at any location within a distributed network of
components without affecting the operation of the system. For
example, the various components can be located in a switch such as
a PBX and media server, gateway, in one or more communications
devices, at one or more users' premises, or some combination
thereof. Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system
could be distributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an
associated computing device.
Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links
connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any
combination thereof, or any other known or later developed
element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data
to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links
can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating
encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for
example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals,
including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may
take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated
during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.
Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in
relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be
appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence
can occur without materially affecting the operation of the
disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.
A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be
used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the
disclosure without providing others.
In some embodiments, the systems and methods of this disclosure can
be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a
programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral
integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit,
a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic
circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic
device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose
computer, any comparable means, or the like. In general, any
device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology
illustrated herein can be used to implement the various aspects of
this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for the
disclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes
computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet
enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware
known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a
single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage,
input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative
software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed
processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel
processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed
to implement the methods described herein.
In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readily
implemented in conjunction with software using object or
object-oriented software development environments that provide
portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or
workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be
implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic
circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to
implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is
dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the
system, the particular function, and the particular software or
hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being
utilized.
In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partially
implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium,
executed on programmed general-purpose computer with the
cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer,
a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and
methods of this disclosure can be implemented as program embedded
on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA.RTM. or CGI script, as
a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a
routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system
component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by
physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software
and/or hardware system.
Although the present disclosure describes components and functions
implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations with
reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such
standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not
mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included
in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols
mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not
mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more
effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such
replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are
considered equivalents included in the present disclosure.
The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems
and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein,
including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments,
subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art
will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present
disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and
processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described
herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations
hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been
used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving
performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of
implementation.
The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to
limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the
foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the
disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining
the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate
aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features
than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of
a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or
configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated
into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own
as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
Moreover, though the description has included description of one or
more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain
variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and
modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may
be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after
understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain
rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
* * * * *
References